Prior to the day If you are able to make a visit to the DARKES Apple Shack at Glenbernie Orchard, prior to the competition day, as a bona-fide entrant, you may collect a complimentary 2kg pack of cooking apples. You can use these for practice cooking prior to the day or for your bake-off entry. It's up to you.Simply show us your receipt or your confirmation email on your smartphone to receive your complimentary apples.If you live too far from us to visit and pick up the complimentary pack of apples prior to the bake-off, you will need to use your own sourced from elsewhere, as unfortunately, we can’t send you free apples.

On the day:

Bring 2 BAKED, IDENTICAL APPLE PIES (family size not single serve, and we recommend in disposable pie pans as we cannot guarantee the return of the pie pans) to the DARKES Apple Shack at Glenbernie Orchard from 8:30 a.m. and before 9:30 am on Sunday, 20 August, 2017.

PRIZES

A trophy will be awarded to the top three scoring pies in each division (Open and Junior).

A perpetual trophy for each division will reside at the DARKES Apple Shack bearing the top three scorers names.

Results will be published in the local newspapers including the 2508 Mag and 2515 Mag, and various social media.

JUDGING

Apple pies must be double crust. In other words the pie must be predominantly apple and will have a crust top and bottom.

At check-in, pies will be randomly assigned a number, and judges will not know the identity of the entrant.

Judges will include local representatives of the CWA and local identities

Pies will be judged on the following criteria:Appearance: 10%Filing & Crust 40%Texture and Over All Flavour/Taste: 50%

Judging begins at 11am with awards immediately following judging.

Judged apple pies will be sold to the public after judging, and proceeds will go to the Stanwell Park Country Women’s Association (CWA).

RULES

The Contest is open to anyone wishing to bake an APPLE PIE.

Only double crust apple pies will be accepted, no crumbles, slices or strudels

Official DARKES Apple Pie Bake Off judge’s ruling as to eligibility will be final.

Pies MUST be checked in between 8.30 and 9:30 am on contest day (20/08/17). Late entries not accepted.

Other fruits may be added but remember this is an apple pie competition so apple must be predominant and the addition of other fruits should enhance the apple not take over.

Pies that need special handling, refrigeration or heating elements are not allowed.

The finished pie cannot contain raw/uncooked eggs (white or yokes).

We recommend that pies are baked in disposable pie pans only, as we can’t guarantee the return of your pie pan.

Pies will be scored on appearance, crust, filling and texture and overall flavour/taste.

The top three scorers in each division (Open and Junior) will receive a trophy to keep and have their name etched on a perpetual trophy that will hang in the DARKES Apple Shack at Glenbernie Orchard.

All pies will be sold after judging to raise money for the Stanwell Park CWA.

If you wish to bake a pie and not have it judged we will be happy to accept it and sell it by the slice to raise money for the Stanwell Park Country Women’s Association (CWA).

JUDGING DETAIL

At check-in, pies will be assigned a number, and judges will not know the identity of the entrant. Pies should be family sized not single serve and it is recommended that they are baked in disposable pie pans only, as we can’t guarantee the return of your pie pan.

Pies will be judged on the following criteria:Appearance: 10%Filing & Crust: 40%Over All Texture, Flavour/Taste: 50%

Appearance – 10%

Pre-slice:

Basic eye appeal.

To what extent does the whole pie entice you to want to try it?

Is the decoration creative and appetising?

After slice:

A single slice unveils the looks and consistency of the filling and crust.

Runniness, juiciness or firmness.

Pies should have generous, well distributed fruit as well as good colour and definition appropriate to variety used.

Crust & Filling – 40%

The judges will evaluate two primary components of a pie – individually and then as a combined entity. These two components are the crust and the filling. They should first each stand on their own merits; and then blend together into a great combination. The judges will evaluate aspects of the crust first, then the filling. Here are some aspects they will consider:

Flavour:

Nice aroma, pleasant, uniform flavours. All ingredients taste fresh and are well balanced. A complimentary use of spices and seasonings that are not overpowering. Generally, crust has a pleasant, mild flavour that complements the filling. However, in some specialty pies, the crust may be used to help create flavour accents.

Crust Consistency:

Pastry crusts should be flaky and delicate, but not fall apart too easily. They should melt in your mouth with a mild, pleasant taste that complements the filling. They should be a light golden colour, baked throughout and an even thickness across the side and bottom. The crimp should seal thoroughly all the way around the pie.

Overall Flavour – 50%

Consider the memorable quality of the pie, are you impressed? This is the judges’ final chance to rate the pie overall.

What makes a good pie? Here is a brief guideline for what traditional wisdom says makes a good pie…

Crust:

Flaky, melt in your mouth consistency that has a mild, pleasant flavour and is baked evenly throughout to a light golden colour. Gluten free versions will be taken into consideration and may vary from gluten flour crust versions. The crust should have a tight seal around the edges.

Filling:

Smooth uniform components with pleasant aroma and flavour which matches the advertised flavour. Appealing colour, and a nice aftertaste. Final fruit consistency will reflect variety used and cooking method. Even distribution and firm, but not overly crisp texture for varieties that hold their shape.

DARKES ‘Bake Off’ FAQ’s

We thought it might be helpful to share our responses to some common questions we’ve been asked about the pie bake-off:

Are nuts allowed?

Yes, all nuts are allowed, but if used it must be clearly stated at check-in on the bake-off day, and marked with the pie.

How about bacon? Or cheese?

As long as apple is the main player, yes, you can add other flavourings

But No meat pies here, folks!

That being said, the simpler pies tend to be the winners. Apple should be predominant.

Is this an apple pie eating contest?

No, it’s an apple pie baking contest that anyone can enter. However, if you want to eat apple pie, we need you to! After the judging, all of the homemade pies are available for sale, either in slices or whole. We just won’t keep track of how much you eat or how fast, which is a good thing.

Where do we go to drop in our pie?

Come in to the DARKES Apple Shack between 8:30-9:30 a.m on the 20th of August 2017. We will point you in the right direction from there!

Should the pie be brought at room temperature or warm?

This is entirely up to you. But please know that, in the past, in other competitions we know of around the world some winners brought their pies in hot, and others made their pies the day before. So we don’t think that the temperature of the pie upon arrival matters much in determining who the winners are!

What’s the earliest we can drop our pie in?

Pie check-in opens at 8:30 am. All pies MUST be received by 9:30 am.

Please remember DO NOT BE LATE we won’t accept your pie for judging after check in has been closed! Really.

Will you REALLY turn my pie away if I’m late?

Yes! We hate to do it, but rules are rules! And it is only fair that all contestants have the same time restrictions.

So, allow yourself plenty of time for baking & parking.

Can I bake my pies in non-disposable pans if I’m all OK with not getting the pans back?

Yes, if you don’t mind losing your pan, you are welcome to bake the pie in a different kind of pan. But, based on feedback from other competitions around the world, some winners have been in disposable pans, some not, so we do not believe it impacts the outcome of the contest.

Why do we need to pay an entry fee?

Our goal is to fundraise for the Stanwell Park Country Women’s Association. Profits from the entry fees and pie sales on the day will go to the CWA. This will be a great day and fun way to support a great Australian volunteer organisation. Thanks so much for helping us out!

Why do we need to bake 2 pies?

Because there may be multiple rounds of judging, we need 2 pies from each contestant so that the appearance of the whole pie can be judged in each round. Your appearance pie will remain uncut as long as you are still a contender to win! Pies should be family size, not single serve.

Is this event child-friendly?

Yes! The DARKES Apple Pie Bake Off is for all ages! This is the Open Section.

Children 12 yrs and under can enter the Junior Bake-Off Section.

Is this event pet-friendly?

Only service animals are permitted.

For the safety of all participants, house pets are not allowed. Sorry folks!

What if I need to cancel and not participate in the contest?

If your plans have changed and for some reason you won’t be able to attend, let us know so that we can allow others to register! Unfortunately, we will not be able to return your entry fee, but at least it goes towards raising funds for the Stanwell Park Country Women’s Association – a great cause!

If you have any additional questions please email: jo@appleshack.com.au